January 28, 2014 Branford
One of two playgrounds at Hammer Field in Branford.

January 28, 2014 Branford
One of two playgrounds at Hammer Field in Branford.

Photo: (Mara Lavitt - New Haven Register)

Image 2 of 3

January 28, 2014 Branford
One of two playgrounds at Hammer Field in Branford.

January 28, 2014 Branford
One of two playgrounds at Hammer Field in Branford.

Photo: (Mara Lavitt - New Haven Register)

Image 3 of 3

Branford seeks input online to create the perfect playspace

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BRANFORD >> Parents looking for input in replacing the aging playground at Hammer Field have teamed up with the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative to create an online survey supporters say will help envision the perfect playspace.

Hammer Field Playground, steps away from the Branford Community House, was built more than 20 years ago, according to a Facebook.com page created by supporters.

Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi said last week the cost for a new playground could top $150,000. Palluzzi should know — he helped spearhead a movement for the town’s most recent new playground initiative in Stony Creek.

“They’re not cheap,” Palluzzi said about new playgrounds, adding that new regulations can complicate designs.

The playground at Hammer Field was built in 1990, the same year the town built new playgrounds at Bayview Park in Stony Creek, another in Short Beach and another at Veterans Memorial Park.

Palluzzi said the playgrounds were built at the time with a 25-year life span in mind.

On Dec. 7, the playground at Bayview Park opened, five months ahead of schedule. Palluzzi said Bayview cost a little more than $120,000 to build. Hammer Field is slated to cost more because it will feature two separate play areas.

“With all these playgrounds we want to involve input from everybody,” said Palluzzi.